MAP-01-011 HFI Technical Guide - Human Factors Integration ...

Annex 3 – HF Techniques, Methods and ToolsLink analysis is well suited to HMIs where sequence of use and frequency of useare the dominant characteristics of the user interaction. It offers a low-costmeans of optimising HMI design features. If applied to the final design of the HMIit can only identify shortcomings. However, if it is applied to representations ofconceptual designs, or to computer-based models of evolving designs, it canform a useful part of an iterative design cycle with the potential to reduce projectrisk and promote user-centred HMI design.• Advantages• Link analysis is a very straightforward technique that requires minimaltraining.• Link analysis is a quick technique that offers an immediately useful output.• Link analysis output helps to generate design improvements.• Link analysis has been used extensively in the past in a number ofdomains.• Link analysis output prompts logical redesign of system interfaces.• Link analysis can be used throughout the design process to evaluate andmodify design concepts.• Disadvantages• A link analysis requires preliminary data collection such as observation,walkthrough type analysis and a HTA.• Link analysis only considers the basic physical relationship between theuser and the system. Cognitive processes and error mechanisms are notaccounted for.• Link analysis output is not easily quantifiable.A3.11.2Workspace DesignWorkspace design is used to specify the dimensions and layout of spaces inorder optimise human task performance, enable efficient traffic routing andmaterial routing and to control health and safety risks.Workspace design is based the simple context of identifying both the personneland systems within a workspace and their associated characteristics that willdrive the design and layout. Typical considerations will include:• Traffic flow within and through the workspace.• Equipment usage and movement (based upon link analysis results).• Communication patterns and requirements.• Maintenance access requirements and associated support.May 2006 Page A3-105 Issue 4